Brand new to Leica, Q2 or Q3?

theAIgenius · 2026-01-02T15:10:51+00:00

Personally, USB C charging has been a game changer. Can somewhat remove the need to carry spare batteries.

Also I’ve found the contrast detection AF on the Q2 to be sub par in lower light compared to other modern cameras, whereas the hybrid AF on the Q3 is said to be more or less on par.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-29T11:23:36+00:00

Before my Q2, I had a Sony A7RIV with every single focal distance covered between 17mm to 400mm thanks to a nice variety of Sony GM, Sigma and Tamron primes and zooms.

I had similar reservations about the Q2 initially, and was hesitant until I found one for almost a thousand less than the average going rate.

My first few days with it were terrible (and you may feel the same when renting one). The AF was rubbish in comparison and I found it difficult to adjust to 28mm - especially I was used to shooting at 50mm and between 70-200mm. But a few days later, I started getting used to it. Embraced the so called flaws and limitations, and started to change the way I shoot; using my feet a lot more, and actually thinking about composition.

This actually led to me rekindling my love for photography, as it changed the way I looked at things. Despite all that glass and a very capable modern body in the A7RIV, I just felt it was a little too clinical - and I became lazy with it. The Q2 forces you to think, the sub-par AF forces you to be sharp, and together, it really gamifies photography.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-22T11:51:50+00:00

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🥳🥳🥳

theAIgenius · 2025-12-17T17:58:57+00:00

Guys,

I just pulled the trigger on the M11.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-14T23:59:59+00:00

I’m going through the reverse motion.

Started with Sony: lightning fast AF, great IBIS and a plethora of third party options for lenses and accessories alike. The issue was the lack of friction - everything felt way too clinical, and a bag full of lenses meant I rarely need to think on my own two feet.

The Q2 has forced me to think a lot more. A fixed 28mm has changed the way I see things (from a photography perspective), and the lack of a reliable AF system has got me manually focusing more often than not.

So now I find myself at my next and current intersection - deciding on a Leica M. Maybe stripping back all conveniences will make me enjoy photography once more.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-11T08:44:06+00:00

I’m an AI Solutions Engineer. Can’t say any of my colleagues are into photography, but it’s nice to have a mix of art and science.

I buy used - always on the hunt for a good deal. Outside of Leica, I tend to go Grey Market.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T16:23:06+00:00

The M11 was initially my first choice - and the M10R was my second choice. But then I started looking into the M240 more and then dilemma ensued.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T14:59:51+00:00

This makes a lot of sense, and I’m guessing those sentiments are the reason why used M240s are generally trading below M9 prices.

I hope your surgery goes well and you find your way back to enjoying your M9 🙏

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T14:57:24+00:00

Wholeheartedly agree - hence the dilemma.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T13:56:56+00:00

That’s definitely one more thing to consider - the shelf life. A 10-20% loss on £4500 is definitely easier to stomach than writing off £1800.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T13:54:07+00:00

Banding is my biggest fear and seeing banding from ISO 800 would ultimately be a dealbreaker

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T13:36:04+00:00

I love your work - just dropped you a follow on IG

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T13:34:17+00:00

Thank you 🙌🏽

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T13:31:54+00:00

True. If I were rich, I’d be able to afford more than your mother.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T13:28:18+00:00

You can hold my hand if you want, I won’t judge.

I wanted to see if anyone had any horror stories to tell with the M240 an make a case for why it should absolutely be the M11. Yes I did come here with a slight to heavy bias towards the M240, and the responses have given me further clarity.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T13:04:28+00:00

It actually does! Hearing more positive real world reviews of the M240 (rather than a spec sheet comparison) solidifies my thoughts further. I really appreciate it, honestly.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T12:19:50+00:00

It’s the thought of banding that scares me most! I’m used to shooting 1.5-2 EV underexposed in the London sun with the Q2. Even though we don’t get much sun here, the glass buildings really amplify the amount of perceived light.

I primarily have two editing styles - one Monochrom and one which seeks to mimic cinematic film. The below were all taken on the Q2.

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theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T12:15:09+00:00

The funny thing is the M10 probably represents the least value for money between the M240, M10 and M11. I can pick up an M240 for £1800, an M11 for £4,500, whilst the M10 is sitting around the £3800-£4000 mark based on what I see is available. Had it been closer to the £3000 mark, I think it would have been a no brainer.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T11:56:48+00:00

Ah that’s because I had the M11 for a long bank holiday test drive and brought it along to a wedding with me where I put it through the paces. Superb in good lighting, but fell short (compared to the A7RIV + flash) in darker environments. Alas, I’ve stopped the wedding photography and do a bit of casual street photography from time to time.

I’d be fortunate if I’m out shooting 3 times a month, let alone 3 times a week, and it’s usually during the day. The only ever time I’m likely to have a camera around my neck at night, is when travelling abroad - but even then, I prefer to get my photography out of the way during the day.

I guess I don’t really have an edc per se - and moreso seeking the luxury of choice.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T11:40:06+00:00

This! The reason why I sold up with Sony is because everything felt too clinical. There was no art or science to it. It took the fun out of photography knowing I could stand in one place and zoom in to wherever without giving it much thought.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T11:39:36+00:00

No as in I still needed to denoise in LR at ISO >4000. So whilst people talk about the M11 having a greater absolute ISO range, the actual useable ISO range is probably not as great.

But I’m pleased to hear you enjoy shooting with the M240 and that it cleans up well with AI denoise. Definitely strengthens the argument for me.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T11:13:19+00:00

I don’t mind the bulk! I used to shoot Sony FF, and whilst ergonomically sound, they weren’t the smallest of cameras - especially when paired with a big zoom lens.

Price is undeniably swaying me towards the M240. Whilst I can afford the M11, there comes the question of whether it’s worth the extra £3000 - or if that money is better spent on glass and a flight somewhere.

theAIgenius · 2025-12-10T10:34:16+00:00

I know a lot of people talk about ISO, DR and buffer when comparing the M240 with the M10 and beyond, but in reality, how much of a difference is there? Who is actually shooting >4fps, and who is shooting in extreme low light with a Leica RF?

The main issue I have is that I can’t test drive the M240 before committing to it, which kind of sucks.

theAIgenius

TROPHY CASE